ON the doorsteps this week I have been getting a clear and positive message from many voters – there should be no place for party politics in local government.

Most remarkable is that the comment comes from voters of all political colours, many of them with very firm views about national policies.

Malvern Hills district councillors will not be voting on nuclear deterrence, inheritance tax rates, NHS funding or immigration policy, but they will be voting on important local issues.

Those debates and votes will need strong, if diverse, local voices, not policy handouts and instructions from SW1.

On May 7, more Malvern Hills people will have opportunity to vote for Independent candidates than for many years.

Independent candidates have signed up to the pledge published in your newspaper last week because they believe that to do so should be a fundamental qualification for any legitimate district council candidate.

Mick Davies

Malvern Hills District Council independent candidate

Welland